Appalachian Trail Snickers Gap
Hike a segment of the iconic Appalachian Trail to the stunning Bear's Den overlook for panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views, especially at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Appalachian Trail Snickers Gap
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike a segment of the iconic Appalachian Trail to the stunning Bear's Den overlook for panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views, especially at sunset.
"Beautiful lookout with a great view, faces West so a nice opportunity to see the sunset."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Generous parking, including overflow, makes access easy. Arrive early for the best spots! :car:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
This is a dry trail; no water sources are available along the way. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bear's Den Scenic Lookout
Appalachian Trail
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially stunning at sunset.
Appalachian Trail Section
Appalachian Trail
Experience a segment of the iconic Appalachian Trail, offering a taste of thru-hiking adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Trail Access
What to Pack for Your Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Generous parking, including overflow, makes access easy. Arrive early for the best spots! :car:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
This is a dry trail; no water sources are available along the way. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
⚠️ Cross Route 7 with Care
Crossing Route 7 can be tricky. Be cautious and aware of traffic. :warning:
🥾 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
While relatively easy, the trail has some ups and downs. Good shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Generous parking, including overflow, makes access easy. Arrive early for the best spots! :car:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
This is a dry trail; no water sources are available along the way. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
⚠️ Cross Route 7 with Care
Crossing Route 7 can be tricky. Be cautious and aware of traffic. :warning:
🥾 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
While relatively easy, the trail has some ups and downs. Good shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🌇 Sunset Views
The western-facing overlook is perfect for catching a beautiful sunset. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Snickers Gap for its accessible hike to a beautiful overlook with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views, especially at sunset. The ample parking is a plus, though the lack of restrooms and some road noise are noted drawbacks. It's considered a worthwhile stop for a scenic outing.
"This is a great hike with plenty of parking. It's very close to Bear chase brewing so makes for a great day outing. This is a dry hike with no streams along the way to the overlook but its a beautiful lookout with a great view. I only gave it 4 stars since you can still hear road noise from route 7 even from the overlook so you never feel like you are immersed in nature. Lots of parking, but no restrooms available."
Alexis Seguin
"I love this location. I was there yesterday to hike Ravens Rock trail, but I have been there before to hike Bear’s Den. Great parking and it was packed when we finished. I even saw your busses showing up to the location."
Mahogany Goddess
"Relatively an easy trail to hike. A nice overlook at the top. Faces West so a nice opportunity to see the sunset."
Brian Sprague
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Snickers Gap Trailhead is accessible via Route 7 in Virginia. It features a large parking area, with overflow options available. Be prepared to cross Route 7 to access the trail.
While specific public transport routes directly to Snickers Gap might be limited, nearby areas like Shenandoah National Park and Harper's Ferry are mentioned as more accessible options for day trips via public transport.
Snickers Gap is located off Route 7. Use a GPS or mapping service to navigate to the Snickers Gap Trailhead for the most accurate directions.
Yes, there is a large parking area at the Snickers Gap Trailhead, and an overflow area is available when it gets busy.
Yes, Snickers Gap is a viable option for a day trip from the Washington D.C. area, offering a scenic section of the Appalachian Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking the Appalachian Trail at Snickers Gap is free and does not require a ticket or admission fee.
The Appalachian Trail is accessible 24/7. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to access the Appalachian Trail at Snickers Gap.
Reservations are not required for parking at Snickers Gap. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, reviews mention exploring neighboring trails in addition to the main Appalachian Trail section at Snickers Gap.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the overlook is generally considered relatively easy, with some step-ups and downs. It's doable at your own pace.
The Bear's Den overlook offers beautiful, panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It faces west, making it ideal for sunset.
No, there are no restrooms available at the Snickers Gap Trailhead or along the immediate trail to the overlook.
Yes, the trail to the overlook is often described as easy and simple, making it suitable for beginners.
Some visitors note that road noise from Route 7 can still be heard at the overlook, meaning you might not feel completely immersed in nature.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is highly recommended for photography due to the western-facing overlook and beautiful light. Early mornings can also offer good light and fewer crowds.
You can photograph panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail itself, and the surrounding natural landscape.
Absolutely. The expansive views from Bear's Den overlook make it a prime location for landscape photography.
While possible, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Focus on the stunning natural landscapes for your photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water, as there are no facilities on the trail. Keep a close eye on children, especially when crossing Route 7 and near the overlook. The chance to walk a small section of the famous Appalachian Trail can also be an exciting educational experience for kids.
🚶 Day-Trippers from D.C.
Combine your hike with a visit to nearby attractions like Bear Chase Brewing Company for a complete day of exploration and relaxation. Aim for an early start to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Appalachian Trail Experience
For those new to the AT, Snickers Gap provides an accessible entry point. It's a chance to walk in the footsteps of thousands of thru-hikers and section hikers who have traversed this path. The experience, even for a short duration, connects you to a rich history of outdoor adventure and conservation.
It's important to remember that the AT is a wild place with its own set of unspoken rules and folklore.
Bear's Den Overlook: A Scenic Gem
The overlook is particularly famous for its stunning sunset views. As the sun dips below the horizon, the mountains are bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a truly memorable spectacle. Many visitors find this to be the perfect reward after their hike.
While the views are spectacular, some visitors note that the proximity to Route 7 means you can still hear some road noise, which can slightly detract from the feeling of complete immersion in nature. However, for a relatively easy hike with such rewarding vistas, it remains a highly recommended stop.
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